building .NET-based services and applications for Pocket PCs. In related news, Microsoft also announced a new brand, "Windows Mobile," which the company said will be used to "extend the familiarity of the Windows brand, while reflecting the uniqueness of software for mobile devices."

Additionally, Microsoft announced Wi-Fi services for Pocket PCs via a collaboration with T-Mobile USA, Boingo Wireless, and Wayport, along with a limited-time offer to provide a free 30-day trial of their Wi-Fi services to new US Pocket PC customers.

Microsoft also announced two additions to the list of Pocket PC device manufacturers -- Gateway and JVC Company of America -- both of whom plan to introduce new Pocket PCs later this year. Pocket PCs on the market today are available from ASUSTeK Computer, Dell, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, HP, and Toshiba America Information Systems, Microsoft said. In addition, Microsoft said previously-announced Pocket PC manufacturers with new devices on the way include Acer, ASUSTeK Computer, Dell (shown above left), Fujitsu Siemens Computers, HP (shown above right), Intermec Technologies, Legend Group, MiTAC, Panasonic Computer Solutions, Symbol Technologies, Toshiba America Information Systems, Trimble, and ViewSonic. (Dell's Axim is pictured above, on the left, and HP's iPAQ 5100 is on the right. Enlarged photos are here: Dell Axim; iPAQ 5100.)

Pocket PC enhancements

Microsoft summarized the enhancements included in the new release of Pocket PC as follows . . .

• Improved wireless connectivity -- "zero configuration" WLAN capability automatically detects and connects to Wi-Fi networks and personal area networks via native support for Bluetooth.
  
  
• Enhanced messaging and email -- "always-up-to-date" email synchronization, through integration with the upcoming Microsoft Exchange Server 2003; new native support for integrated keyboard devices facilitates further hardware innovation.
  
  
• Expanded digital media capabilities -- improved mobile experiences with photos, music, and home movies via Windows Media 9 Series audio and video technology, including:
  • Ability to store, edit, and display digital photos directly on the device.
    
  • Access to a wider range of high-quality digital media content, not just content formatted specifically for portable devices, over Wi-Fi networks at speeds of up to 300 Kbps.
    
  • Playback of home movies and digital photo albums created with Windows Movie Maker 2 or "Plus! Photo Story".
    
  • Ability to synchronize digital content from the Internet or a PC via "Plus! Sync & Go".
  
  
• Windows CE .NET 4.2 and .NET Compact Framework system platform -- provides developers, ISVs, and solution providers with a "rich, extensible platform" for application development that takes full advantage of web services and XML. Includes the .NET Compact Framework in ROM. Application development is supported by Visual Studio .NET 2003 development tools.

More details: A more detailed list of new features and enhancements in the new release of Pocket PC appears here.

SDK released

Along with today's announcements, Microsoft also formally released the Software Development Kit (SDK) for Windows Mobile 2003 Software for Pocket PCs. More than 8,000 developers have already received the the SDK in advance of today's open release, at the Microsoft Mobility Developer Conferences in the US, Europe, and Japan, at Tech*Ed in the United States, and through the Microsoft Mobile Solutions Partner Program, Microsoft said. Further information about the SDK is available here.

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• Quick Reference Guide to Windows-based handheld PCs and PDAs